Ind vs NZ: Ishant Sharma down with chikungunya, ruled out of 1st Test

India's senior most fast bowler Ishant Sharma has been ruled out of the first cricket Test against New Zealand starting September 22 as he is recovering from chikungunya, a viral that has been prevalent in the National Capital Region (NCR).

India's chief coach Anil Kumble intimated the mediapersons on 20 September. "Ishant Sharma is recovering from chikungunya and will not be available for the first Test match. We have not asked for any replacement and will choose our first XI from the available 14," chief coach Anil Kumble told mediapersons after the training session.

Chikungunya fever has affected a lot of people in Delhi and adjoining areas with state's health department issuing alerts for the citizen. Ishant is a resident of West Delhi's Patel Nagar area. Ishant is the most experienced of India's four pacers with 209 wickets from 72 Tests.

If India happen to go in with two pacers, then the likely choices will be Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.